The Foothill varsity football team is set to face Red Bluff in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs – D2 Football NSCIF 2024” tournament. Both teams aim to advance further in their postseason campaigns.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Red Bluff vs Foothill
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs – D2 Football NSCIF 2024
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Foothill vs. Red Bluff

The 2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs – Division 2 bring an exciting matchup as the Foothill Cougars take on the Red Bluff Spartans in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams are hungry for postseason success in what promises to be a competitive battle.

Red Bluff: A Strong Contender

Red Bluff enters the game with an impressive 9-2 overall record, showcasing a potent offense and a solid defense. Averaging 36.9 points per game, the Spartans are particularly effective in the third quarter, where they score an average of 11.2 points. Their defensive strength is reflected in allowing only 155 points across the season. Red Bluff’s balanced performance at home and away makes them a formidable opponent in any setting.

Foothill: Aiming for Consistency

Foothill comes into the playoffs with a 7-3 record and an undefeated 5-0 mark at home. The Cougars average 26.2 points per game, with steady scoring across all four quarters. While their offensive numbers aren’t as high as Red Bluff’s, their defensive resilience and ability to adapt in close games make them a tough opponent.

Key Matchup: Red Bluff’s Offense vs. Foothill’s Defense

The game will likely hinge on Red Bluff’s explosive offense and Foothill’s ability to contain it. Foothill will need to find ways to slow down Red Bluff’s dominant third-quarter surges, while their offense must capitalize on opportunities to keep pace with the Spartans’ high-scoring attack.

As the football season heats up, the Red Bluff Spartans and the Foothill Cougars stand as two powerhouse teams within the region, boasting impressive records and high-performing athletes. With both teams having faced off against common opponents, it’s clear that this season is shaping up to be an exciting one as they head towards the final stretch. Below is a breakdown of their statistics, key players, and head-to-head performances to get a better sense of their respective strengths and how they compare.

Team Stat Comparison

Red Bluff has showcased a dominant offensive presence this season, especially in terms of rushing yards per game, where they average a solid 279.0 yards. This is far higher than Foothill’s 145.4 rushing yards per game, indicating Red Bluff’s reliance on a powerful ground game. On the other hand, both teams are comparable in their passing yards, with Red Bluff averaging 114.5 passing yards per game, slightly ahead of Foothill’s 104.3. When it comes to total yardage, Red Bluff leads the way with 393.5 yards per game, compared to Foothill’s 249.7 yards.

Defensively, Red Bluff also stands strong, averaging 62.9 tackles per game, nearly 15 more than Foothill’s 48.1 tackles per game. Red Bluff’s sack rate also outpaces Foothill’s, with 2.8 sacks per game compared to Foothill’s 2.2. This defensive efficiency is critical in keeping opponents at bay. In terms of scoring, Red Bluff leads significantly, averaging 37.3 points per game, more than double Foothill’s 15.1 points per game.

Team Leaders

Red Bluff’s star player is Kayden Leaf, who dominates several categories. He averages 127.0 rushing yards per game, 109.2 passing yards per game, and 236.2 total yards per game, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success. Leaf also scores an average of 10.2 points per game, further solidifying his role as a key contributor.

Foothill’s standout player, Jude Thompson, leads his team with 114.7 passing yards per game and 155.2 total yards per game, showing his ability to move the ball effectively through the air. Carson Anderson adds to the offense with 68.6 receiving yards per game.

In terms of defense, Red Bluff’s Jaret Bridwell stands out with an impressive 10.5 tackles per game, compared to Foothill’s Jesus Cervantes, who averages 9.0 tackles per game. Bryce Owens also contributes with 1.3 sacks per game, surpassing Foothill’s Kingston Coates, who averages 0.7 sacks.

Common Opponents and Record Breakdown

Both teams have faced a similar slate of opponents, and their results against these teams provide a snapshot of their overall performance. Red Bluff has posted a 6-1 record against common opponents, while Foothill holds a 5-2 record. In their respective matchups with teams like West Valley, Lassen, and Corning, both teams emerged victorious in most cases, with Red Bluff holding a slightly better record.

Key games saw Red Bluff defeat teams such as Pleasant Valley, Chico, and Enterprise, while Foothill had its own successful outings, including wins against Lassen and Shasta. However, both teams also experienced setbacks: Red Bluff suffered a close loss to Pleasant Valley, while Foothill faltered against Enterprise.

When it comes to head-to-head performance, Red Bluff leads 1-0 in the only meeting between the two teams this season, which adds an edge to their confidence heading into future matchups.

Record Breakdown and Playoff Potential

Red Bluff holds an overall 9-2 record, with a solid 3-2 showing in league play. Foothill, while slightly behind with a 7-3 record, also sports a respectable 4-1 non-league record. Both teams have demonstrated their resilience and ability to win key games, setting the stage for an intense postseason.

Red Bluff has shown its strength at home, going 5-1, while Foothill has been perfect in its home games, boasting a 5-0 record. Both teams will be aiming to continue their success as the season draws closer to the playoffs.

Conclusion

As both Red Bluff and Foothill head into the latter stages of the season, their comparative statistics show that they are two very well-rounded teams. Red Bluff’s dominant rushing attack and defensive prowess provide them with a powerful edge, while Foothill’s resilience and strong passing game keep them competitive. Fans of both teams can expect high-intensity matchups as these two teams battle not only for league supremacy but for a deeper run into the playoffs. With both teams showing solid records and standout players, the rivalry between Red Bluff and Foothill promises to deliver thrilling football action in the weeks to come.